Also From California Report

Pelican Bay's Security Housing Unit is organized into small pods housing eight cells set side-by-side on two tiers. Through the perforated steel doors inmates can only see a blank wall.

Monday in Sacramento, the Assembly's Committee on Public Safety will take up the issue of special security units in the state's prison system, the focus of widespread inmate hunger strikes in 2011. Civil rights groups are suing the state for what they say is cruel and inhumane punishment, but prison officials are expected to testify they've made significant changes. The California Report was able to gain access to Pelican Bay State Prison, the state's highest security lockup. Reporter: Michael Montgomery